Poverty is the root cause of social disharmony and maladies in the society hence, its alleviation has remained the focus of successive governments.

The economy, no doubt is at the take off stage and the level of poverty in low income groups, especially in rural areas has caught the attention of the government and donor agencies. The preparation of Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) is a step in that direction.

Unlike Punjab or the NWFP, poverty graph in the rural of Sindh has risen which should have been otherwise due to reasons that the entire arable area is under canal command, climatic conditions are favourable for crops and fruits which mature early, coastal areas provide ample source of fishing, and the availability of thousands of acres of grazing ground for herds in the arid zone.

Before the independence, the non-Muslims had control over the businesses though many owned agriculture land holdings but their source of prosperity was trade, while the Muslims had retained their traditional profession of cultivation and herding.

The rapid industrialization in Karachi reached its climax in sixties. Hyderabad, Kotri, Sukkur, Dhabeji and Gharo emerged as industrial estates. Employment opportunities generated then, were however, missed by the unemployed youth of Sindh interior for which divergent views were offered. But the realistic analysis reasoned it to inadequate education facilities, lack of skills, social taboos and accessibility barriers.

The common man of Sindh, who was denied the social status and economic opportunities by their pre-partition masters remained satisfied by tilling, fishing, and rearing the cattle.

The fertile land in Sukkur, Kotri and Guddu barrages in early years lost its fertility due to the over cultivation, the water logging and salinity, and the excessive use of fertilizers. The state of affairs went from bad to worse on account of unchecked population growth in interior, exerting pressure on the cultivable land. In spite of the overdose of fertilizers, pesticides and other inputs, the farmer could not produce enough to enable him to satisfy his basic needs.

Land at the tail end of the canal of all three barrages has become barren due to the persistent water shortage, but the growers, to satisfy their basic needs cultivate a portion of the barren land. They are deprived of adequate production as crops fail due to late sowing and water stoppages before crops mature. Liabilities are added to their miseries as their inputs are generally borrowed on high interest rates from the traders.

The net amount of sanctioned agriculture loan reaching the hands of a farmer is not sufficient for the area to be brought under cultivation for which the loan is obtained. The farmer, therefore, either brings lesser land under cultivation or reduces the doses of inputs. Thus, the production he gets is only sufficient to meet the requirements and repay the dues.

The arid zone inhabitants depend on the irrigated area of Sindh. The shortage of irrigation water and little or sporadic rains have already inflicted desert-like conditions on the feeble economy of the command areas.

Herding was another assured source of income but to bring the grazing ground under cultivation, water shortage and drought compelled them to sell their cattle.

Historically, fishing has remained a major occupation and the food of the people in the coastal and lakes’ area. But the construction of dams and barrages on Indus River, the drainage networks, and the drying up of lakes have reduced its prospects. The fishing in sea requires heavy investment which is beyond the capacity of a common man, therefore it is no longer a stable livelihood.

In a situation when the means of livelihood are being squeezed, the farming inputs have not only become costly but are also adulterated and of sub-standard quality. The major portion of the produce is taken by those traders who supply the inputs on credit at exorbitant rates. Even in mandi, the market mechanism and the middlemen grossly deprive the grower of a fair price of his produce.

The income of rural population though is quite low but not assured. Burdened with the fast increasing family size, they have limited avenues of employment. The youth with poor educational background and inadequate knowledge of specialized field, find it difficult to enter the government or private organizations. Hence, they are compelled to migrate to cities in search of jobs and better social services. But conditions in towns and cities too, are not so encouraging.

The government efforts to revive the closed units in interior could not bear the desired results on account of law and order situation, let alone the establishment of new ones. The government is already seized with problems and to address the issue of poverty a multi-million project in the irrigation sector, is about to take off.

The following are few proposals which may help the planners in the long run:

*Rehabilitation of canals, lining of channels and watercourses to ensure intake according to requirements. Selection criteria should be on technical needs and ground realities *Management of available water so that tail enders could receive their share proportionally. *Re-vitalization of the agricultural research institutes and centres to develop new varieties of seeds and activation of extension service so as to ensure maximum yield out of less areas under crop to cover up decrease in the cultivated area owing to water scarcity and degradation of soil. *Utilization of kalarish and high water table lands where staple crops cannot be grown or their yields are below economically viable levels. By introduction of fodder, which can sustain salinity,the inhabitants may be enabled to divert to cattle farming. *Adopting agricultural practices that restore soil fertility. Multiplication of crops to save water inputs but get more income. *Availability of inputs, especially certified seeds of new varieties suitable to soil and climate conditions and the advisory services at doorstep. The F.A Houses in each Union Council and other centrally located places should be the centre for agricultural services. *The market committees instead of serving interest of the farmers have become tools in the hands of the wholesaler, dealer and retailer. Detailed study is required to improve the performance of market committees and to reactivate and strengthen them to play their role effectively. *The performance of agriculture credit sector warrants an indepth study to ensure loaning to deserving farmers expeditiously, and that actual amount of the sanctioned loan goes in the hands of the borrower. The role of Mobile Credit Officer should not be confined to advancement and recovery of loan, but also monitoring to ensure proper utilization of loan and to guide the farmer in the application of inputs. *Fish varieties, which grow in saline and brackish water, need to be popularized, especially in coastal areas and water logged pockets. *Imparting knowledge and skills in agriculture and related trades.

(The writer has served as secretary Irrigation and Power Department, government of Sindh)